Distinguished Awards

Nominee holds a PhD or other doctoral degree in a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM), ethics, public health, science policy, law or related research field, and has a minimum of ten years of experience as a principal investigator. The nominee must be engaged in research and educational activities at the national level including, but not limited to, active funded research projects or funded STEM-based education initiatives. The Distinguished Scientist will be recognized during the National Diversity in STEM Conference held annually in October.

The Distinguished Mentor is selected from among the top candidates submitted in all the outstanding mentor categories (listed below). The Distinguished Mentor will be recognized during the National Diversity in STEM Conference, held annually in October. Outstanding Mentors will receive digital and multimedia (web, email, social media) recognition by SACNAS. Nominees should have a sustained record of at least ten years of participating in educational and/or community outreach activities.

Nominees not selected for the Distinguished Mentor Award can be cascaded down and considered for the following awards:

Outstanding College/University Mentor

Nominee must hold a faculty, leadership, or similar position at an undergraduate focused college, tribal college, or university. Nominee should demonstrate a record of undergraduate students from backgrounds underrepresented in STEM, to pursue advanced degrees in a science, technology, engineering, mathematics or a related field.

Outstanding Community College/Mentor Award

Nominee must hold a faculty, leadership, or similar position at a community college. Nominee should demonstrate a record of encouraging students from backgrounds underrepresented in STEM, to pursue advanced degrees in a science, technology, engineering, mathematics or a related field.

Outstanding Research & Professional Mentor

Nominee must hold a faculty, leadership, or similar position at a university, industry, government, tribal college or non-profit institution. Nominee should demonstrate a record of encouraging students or professionals from backgrounds underrepresented in STEM, to pursue advanced degrees in a science, technology, engineering, mathematics or a related field. In particular, the nominee should have a record of trainees who have gone on to receive recognition for their research (awards, grants) and/or have attained successful research careers.

Honoring the highest levels of excellence in mentoring and research science.